Kamloops Mountie thanks neighbours for their support

A Kamloops Mountie is thanking his neighbours for their support after the arrest of a a violent Kamloops burglary suspect.

The off-duty police officer initiated the apprehension of John Andrew Stark who had allegedly just broke into two residences and assaulted the home owners in Dallas.

Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said the officer, who is not being named to support the privacy and safety of his family, would like to thank the Campbell Creek community for their support during and after the incident.

“This officer with 16 years of service thanks his neighbours for their support and feels that since the incident, the community has become even closer,” said Shelkie.

“The officer would also like to stress the point that, in the case of criminal activities happening in your neighbourhood, no one should take matters into their own hands. He is a trained police officer who relied on his training and experience to successfully deal with the crisis. He is grateful that the situation came to a successful conclusion and that everyone involved survived. “

She adds that this officer supports neighbours looking out for neighbours and reporting suspicious incidents to the RCMP.

Stark, 31, has been charged with eight counts including attempted murder with a firearm, pointing a firearm and two counts of aggravated assault.